SiBops

Simulation-aided Operation Optimisation for Solar Tower Plant

In this collaborative project , the DLR Institute of Solar Research works jointly with its industry partners Kraftanlagen München GmbH and CSP Services GmbH as well as with the research partners RWTH and FH Aachen/Jülich Solar Institute on software-based methods to improve the operation of solar thermal tower power plants.

Testreceiver of the Jülich Solar Tower

The first emphasis lies on the development of a method for the aim point optimization to increase the receiver performance.

The optimal distribution of the aim points on the receiver surface will be determined by using the calculated reflected radiation of the heliostats as a starting point. Prerequisite is the precise simulation of the reflected radiation of the heliostats with high-resolution surface data of the mirrors from deflectometry measurements. Furthermore, a detailed numeric software model for the receiver is necessary, describing the thermal output as a function of the radiation distribution on the surface of the receiver. At the Jülich Solar Tower, the scientists test the method in real operation.

Model of the Jülich Solar Tower

Second focus of the project is the development of an “operation assistance system” to support the operating staff of the solar tower plant.
This model-based system is planned in three stages of development:

In the first step, the prediction mode, the model can predict the system state at any time in the future, provided that no manual interventions are made. In the second stage, the maneuver simulator, it is calculated how the system would react if various control parameters were modified. In the third stage, the proposal mode shall deliver optimal parameter settings to operate the plant close to its optimum in any situation.

The two main focuses of the project are accompanied by a series of measures which are necessary for their implementation:

Development of a new heliostat field control software to enable, among others, the communication with the aim point optimization system

Revision of a part of the heliostat field to increase the concentration factor

Development and application of a raw (primary) calibration system for newly installed heliostats

Construction of an automated measurement system for the continuous analysis of heliostat surfaces with the deflectrometry method

Installation of a test receiver to validate the method for the aim point optimization (operational since October 2013)